Furnace Repair in Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric is the first HVAC company to call when you have a furnace repair need. Whether you have a gas furnace or an electric furnace, we provide excellent HVAC system repair, maintenance and installation services. We are your go-to experts for furnace service in Buffalo Grove, IL, and the surrounding communities in North Chicago.
Signs You Need Furnace Repair
Most furnace heating systems are dependable until they start to break down. At that point, their reliability becomes questionable. Here are some scenarios you may encounter when you’re in need of HVAC repair services from a heating and air conditioning contractor.
Uneven Heating
When your furnace is not able to heat your entire home, there is a problem. It could be any of a number of issues, from a broken blower motor to air ducts that have been damaged.
Short Cycling
Short cycling can damage your furnace quickly. Short cycling occurs when the HVAC unit turns on, shuts off a short time later and starts the cycle again in a few minutes. The rapid turning on and off of the unit causes major wear and tear on the moving parts of your HVAC system.
Unusual Noises
Aside from the sound of your furnace starting or stopping a cycle, they are generally pretty quiet. If any other sounds beyond the general hum of the heating system occur, call for furnace repair services. This includes banging, squealing, rumbling, and other odd noises.
HVAC System Runs Constantly
When the system runs constantly, it is generating excess energy waste and overheating the house. A heating services call is an easy way to isolate the problem and get the unit back to working order.
Thermostat Not Working
Your thermostat is the little gauge that tells the furnace to start or stop. When it is not working, neither is the furnace. If you’re having trouble with your thermostat, contact our HVAC technicians for HVAC services.
How to Tell if Your Furnace Needs Emergency Repair
In many situations, furnace malfunctions can be handled in a timely manner with a service call during business hours. However, some furnace issues arise unexpectedly and can pose serious risks if not addressed promptly. Here are the urgent situations where your furnace requires immediate repair:
No Heat
If your furnace suddenly stops producing heat, especially in the middle of a cold night, this is a critical issue. A complete loss of heat can quickly lead to dangerously low temperatures inside your home, making it essential to get emergency repairs as soon as possible.
Gas Leaks
The smell of gas near your furnace is an emergency situation that requires immediate attention. Gas leaks are hazardous and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or even explosions. If you detect a gas odor, evacuate your home and contact emergency services and a furnace repair technician right away.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, it’s a serious warning that your furnace might be leaking this dangerous, odorless gas. Carbon monoxide exposure can be life-threatening, so it’s critical to turn off your furnace, ventilate your home, and seek emergency furnace repair services immediately.
Electrical Issues
Flickering lights, tripped breakers, or burning smells from your furnace are all signs of electrical problems. These issues can quickly escalate to fires or complete system failures, making immediate repair essential to ensure your safety.
Furnace problems rarely occur at convenient times—they often happen in the middle of the night, during a weekend, or on a holiday when you need heat the most. That’s why at Ravinia Plumbing, we offer 24/7 emergency furnace repairs in Buffalo Grove, IL. Our expert technicians are always on call to address urgent situations, and we make them a top priority.
Don’t wait—contact us immediately if you’re experiencing any of these critical furnace problems.
Should I Repair or Replace My Furnace?
Whether you should repair or replace your furnace is a tough question. You don’t want to replace it too soon and lose any life that it may still have. You also don’t want to put off furnace installation to the point where it becomes unreliable and costly. Below are some situations where it may be better to go with a new furnace or repair your heating system.
It’s better to repair your furnace when…
The furnace repair cost is small or when the unit is still under warranty. It is also a good indication that there is plenty of life left in the system if this is one of its first breakdowns. So, if the unit has been very reliable, repair it. Also, if the unit is not that old, the repair is relatively minor, and the repair costs are affordable, we recommend having the system repaired.
It’s better to replace your furnace when…
It’s over 10 years old and it begins to break down more often. As HVAC systems become less reliable, they should be replaced. If there is a poor history of maintenance and the system is beginning to break down, it’s better to have a new HVAC system installed. Putting your hard-earned money toward the purchase of a new system instead of frequent repairs is a smart investment.
Enroll in Ravinia’s Home Care Club Heating & Cooling Maintenance Program
Ravinia Plumbing offers a Home Care Club and maintenance agreements program. The program is our way of saying thank you to our loyal Buffalo Grove customers while helping them take care of their furnaces and air conditioners.
When you opt for our maintenance agreements, you receive discounts on regular and emergency services for heating and air conditioning repair, priority service status, and other discounts that add value to your Buffalo Grove, IL, heating and cooling relationship with Ravinia Plumbing.
As your trusted HVAC contractor, we offer you honesty and accurate work that is efficient and affordable. Find out more about our maintenance agreements by talking with our service technicians.
Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Repair
How can I tell if my furnace needs a repair or just a tune up?
A furnace that requires repair often exhibits clear signs like unusual noises, inconsistent heating, or frequent cycling on and off. If your furnace is not heating your home as it should, is making strange sounds, or has a sudden increase in energy usage, it likely needs a repair.
A tune up, on the other hand, is a preventative maintenance service meant to keep your furnace running efficiently and to catch small issues before they become big problems. If you’re unsure, it’s best to have a professional inspect your furnace to determine the appropriate action.
What should I do if my furnace stops working in the middle of the night?
If your furnace stops working unexpectedly, the first step is to check your thermostat settings, power supply, and the circuit breaker to ensure everything is in order. If your furnace uses a pilot light, make sure it’s lit. If everything seems fine and your furnace still isn’t working, it’s time to call for emergency repair service. At Ravinia Plumbing, we offer 24/7 emergency furnace repair in Buffalo Grove, IL, so you can restore heat to your home as quickly as possible, regardless of the time.
How often should I replace air filters?
It’s recommended to replace your furnace filter every 1 to 3 months, depending on the type of filter and your household’s needs. Homes with pets, smokers, or people with allergies may require more frequent filter changes. A clean filter ensures that your furnace operates efficiently and prevents dust and debris from damaging the system. Regular filter replacement is a simple and cost-effective way to avoid more significant furnace issues and save money on repairs.
Is it safe to repair my furnace myself?
Furnace repair should always be performed by a licensed professional. Furnaces involve complex components, including gas lines and electrical systems, that can be dangerous if handled improperly. DIY repairs not only pose safety risks but could also void your furnace’s warranty and lead to more expensive issues down the line. For your safety and peace of mind, always rely on a qualified technician for furnace repairs.
What are the signs of a cracked heat exchanger, and why is it dangerous?
A cracked heat exchanger can be extremely dangerous because it can allow carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, to leak into your home. Signs of a cracked heat exchanger include a yellow flame instead of blue, soot buildup inside the furnace, and a strange odor similar to formaldehyde. If you suspect a cracked heat exchanger, turn off your furnace immediately and call a professional for an inspection and repair. Carbon monoxide poisoning is life-threatening, so this issue should never be ignored.
How long does it typically take to repair a furnace?
The time required to repair a furnace ranges depending on the problem at hand. Minor repairs, like replacing a thermostat or fixing a small electrical issue, might take just an hour or two. More complex issues, such as replacing a motor or fixing a gas leak, can take several hours. During an initial inspection, your technician should be able to provide a more accurate estimate of the repair time based on the specific issue.
What can I do to prevent my furnace from needing repairs?
Regular maintenance is key to preventing unexpected furnace repairs. Scheduling annual tune ups, regularly changing air filters, and addressing small issues as soon as they arise can extend the life of your furnace and prevent costly breakdowns. Keeping the area around your furnace clean and ensuring that your vents are not blocked also helps maintain efficient operation.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing Today for High-Quality Furnace Repairs in Buffalo Grove, IL
As your heating experts in Buffalo Grove, IL, we invite you to read our reviews and see what our customers have to say about the exceptional service they’ve received, then contact us to schedule service. We are here to answer your questions, provide a service quote, or schedule a service call for furnace repair in Buffalo Grove, IL.
